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Darin stares at me for several beats before he finally says, “Okay, Max. If that’s all this is.” He doesn’t look convinced—at all. But he knows me and when to keep pushing versus backing off.
He gets up and heads to the fridge.
Fear swirls in my chest.Irelynn is wrong. She may not think she scares me, but she does. She terrifies me.
I should back away from this. Once her roommate is back, I won’t see Irelynn again.
Darin returns, handing me a beer. I shake my head, then clap my hand on his shoulder, giving him a smile. “I think I’m going to head home. I need to get some sleep. Thanks for everything, man.”
Darin gives me a wide smile. “Anytime, man.”
As I walk out his door, I shove my hands in my pockets, lifting my face to the clear night sky. The stars shine brightly, and everything looks so peaceful, which is such a contrast to the war that still wages inside me.
Taking a deep breath, I let it out, hoping to release all the swirling thoughts and uneasiness into air.
With purposeful steps, I head to my Jeep.
Just go home and get some sleep.
Chapter ten
Max
August25,2018,11:15p.m.
The warm night breeze caresses my skin as the crickets chirp a peaceful song, which is such a contrast to my brooding thoughts that still grip me tightly, refusing to leave me alone.
I tried to expel them into the night air, but they won’t leave. They continue to haunt me, firmly grasping me, floating through my mind.
I’m not so sure why I’m so bothered by Darin’s inquisition, but I am.
Even worse, disappointment filled me when I realized the text was from Darin and not Irelynn.
Irelynn. The beautiful woman I met mere hours ago yet experienced an instantaneous connection with. Something I’ve never felt before.
I’m longing to hear from her, though I hate admitting it, even to myself.
Just to be sure she’s okay, I rationalize. But my excuse sounds flimsy, even to me. And I’m one fearful motherfucker when it comes to women. They symbolize nothing but heartbreak. Ruin. Destruction.
As I open the door of my vehicle, my phone beeps with a text.If that motherfucker is messing with me again...I yank my phone out of my back pocket and look at the screen.
My heart skips a beat, before pounding in my chest. I have to read her name twice to be sure my eyes aren’t deceiving me.
They aren’t. She texted me.
Irelynn:Max, I’m so sorry. But I heard a noise and I’m really frightened.
Me:It’s no problem. I’ll be right over.
Irelynn: I’m so sorry for bothering you…
Me:No worries. I told you to call or text me. Where did you hear the noise?
Irelynn: Outside my front door.
Me: How long ago?
Irelynn: Just a couple minutes ago. I looked out the window, and I thought I saw someone.
